Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II at the Global Vaccine Summit

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,

Dear friends,

Let me start by thanking the UK and Prime Minister Johnson for organising this summit.

From the beginning of this pandemic, Jordan has been calling for equal access to medication and vaccination. It is growing ever clearer that we cannot afford to leave any country behind.

Guaranteeing equal access is not only the moral and just approach, it is also in the interest of the entire international community, to re-establish the global mobility needed by all economies.

This is why a better global integration is the way forward, a re-globalisation that builds on all our strengths and resources, for the benefit of all.

Policymakers and companies should plan for large-scale manufacturing and distribution to ensure we move towards global immunisation.

Jordan is ready to utilise its experienced pharmaceutical sector regionally, to help mass-produce the vaccine, once available. With an accumulated investment volume of nearly $1.8 billion, our pharmaceutical sector has the potential to ramp up its R&D capacity, with international support, for the benefit of our entire region.

It is our responsibility, as an international community, to make sure the most vulnerable are not left behind. In my region, many are internally displaced or live as refugees.

Jordan alone hosts 1.3 million Syrian refugees, and others. It is a priority for us to afford them the same care we give Jordanians. But this would not be possible without the support of our friends.

Jordan had to take tough measures to deal with COVID-19, but our swift action enabled us to control its spread. We are ready to offer our expertise where needed. And we appreciate our friends for being there, when we need them.

We hope this international collaboration continues to address the economic and humanitarian repercussions of COVID-19. Only together, will we be able to chart the path forward.

Thank you.